How to Store Avocados

Storing Avocados & Guacamole

Fresh avocados can be stored in their cut and uncut form. Time will vary on how long you can store fresh fruit. Whether the fruit is cut or uncut, ripe or unripe will play a role in how long the fruit can be stored. Cut avocados will naturally oxidize or “brown” if left unprotected. Why do avocados oxidize or “turn brown” when you cut them? When you cut an avocado, you’re breaking the cellular walls which causes oxidation to occur.

This oxidation process can be prevented by adding an acidic agent and limiting the surface area exposed to the air. Limit exposed surface area by covering tightly with clear plastic wrap or placing in an air-tight container. Leaving in the avocado seed or pit can also help limit the surface area exposed to air, but we recommend using clear plastic wrap or an air-tight container for best results.

Recommended Acidic Agents:

Lemon juice

Lime juice

Orange juice

Vinegar

Tomatoes

Onion

HOW-TO: Store Fresh Cut Avocados

Store Fresh Cut Unripe Avocados

If you have cut open your fresh avocado and found it to be unripe, sprinkle the exposed flesh of the avocado with lemon or lime juice, place the two halves back together and cover tightly with clear plastic wrap before placing in the refrigerator. Check the avocado periodically to see if it has softened up enough to eat. Depending on firmness when the fruit was cut and temperature conditions, the ripening process will vary.

Store Fresh Cut Ripe Avocados

Sprinkle cut, mashed or sliced fruit with lemon or lime juice or another acidic agent and place in an air-tight container or tightly covered clear plastic wrap. The fruit can be stored in your refrigerator for a day.

HOW-TO: Store Uncut Avocados

Store Ripe Uncut Avocados

Ripe fruit that has not been cut open can be stored in the refrigerator for two to three days.

Store Unripe Uncut Avocados

Unripe, firm or green fruit can take four to five days to ripen at room temperature (approximately 65-75 degrees F, avoid direct sunlight). For best results store unripe fruit at room temperature unless room conditions exceed that range. Here’s how you can help speed up this process. If you want to slow down the ripening process, store in the refrigerator.

HOW-TO: Store Guacamole

Store Guacamole

Guacamole often contains other ingredients that may affect how well and how long the guacamole can be stored. For most guacamole recipes, adding an acidic agent (like those mentioned above) can help prevent oxidization when added on top of the guacamole. To store guacamole, place it in an air-tight container and press clear plastic wrap on the surface of the guacamole before covering to help prevent oxidation. Store in the refrigerator.

If refrigerated guacamole or fruit turns brown during storage, discard the top oxidized layer and enjoy the rest.

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